This month and shining a spotlight on a born and raised Brantford resident, Jennifer Middleton. Jen has been working with the City of Brantford since 2011 and is honoured to be the Coordinator of Special Events.
Jen’s passion for giving back to the community started with Rotary in 2006, she was planning various fundraising events for different initiatives, one of them being at Harmony Square. When she learned about the Coordinator of Special Events position and how a large part of the role raised funds to offer free programming and events to the community she knew this was the career for her!
“Being able to give back to the community is a passion of mine and being able to do that in my work makes it extra special for me. Eleven years later I still have the same passion as I did when I first started, in fact, the passion continues to grow every year when new programs or events are created.”
They offer free programming as well as host and sponsor a number of annual signature & one-off events, since we are all about #DowntownBrantford great examples are the Harmony Square events; Scare in the Square, Chilli Willy Cook-Off, Holiday Carnival (Parade After Party) and some of the summer programs like Roller Skating in the square and Music in the Square to name a few. They also offer a skate exchange program which started in 2012 in partnership with the Brantford Public Library. Though this program is currently on hold due to COVID-19 it is one of Jen’s favourite things to be able to offer skates free of charge to community members so they can enjoy skating on one of our many free outdoor rinks.
Fall is one of Jen’s favourite seasons and when asked what her favourite trail or park is she gives a nod to Glenhyrst Gardens. “No matter what time of the year it is, the grounds are always so beautiful and the access to the trail is something I take advantage of frequently.”
We are very lucky & thankful to have the support from our community, without them events and programs would not be possible. “I love hearing the excited children in the crowd and seeing the appreciation the families have for the opportunity to make memories with their families is indescribable.” This is all possible by community support, sponsorships and kindness.
“Brantford is a big city with a small-town feel. Everyone is so nice, friendly and supportive. Any time I reach out to community partners they are always so willing to help make dreams come true.” Jen loves the feeling of giving back to the community through events and programs along with meeting people and watching them enjoy their time at events. “I’ve watched children grow up over the past eleven years of attending events and programs and it’s amazing to be a part of someone’s life through events.”
In her spare time, you can find her rotating through our downtown restaurants some favourites being; @HudsonPublic, Oriental, @ninenorthrestaurant and Burrito Brothers, depending on her mood and hobbies include working out, getting outside, volunteering and currently she is working towards publishing a children’s book as her 2022 goal!
If you are looking to get involved in the community we are always looking for volunteers for events, if you are 14+ and want to give back to your community please contact Jen it’s so much fun and a great opportunity to get your community hours for high school! There are always opportunities to get involved. I would love to hear from you!
